Congrats to Mark Buehrle and his Perfect Game

A no-hitter last year and now a perfect game this year. What a way to go into first place.

Buehrle joins MLB elite with perfection
Southpaw rolls past Rays for 18th perfect game in history

By David Just / Special to MLB.com

07/23/09 4:20 PM ET

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CHICAGO -- Pitching with his usual finesse and fast pace, Mark Buehrle tossed a perfect game Thursday afternoon at U.S. Cellular Field, leading the White Sox to a 5-0 win over the Rays.

It was the second no-hitter of Buehrle's career, the last occurring on April 18, 2007, against the Rangers. He is the first player since Randy Johnson to throw multiple no-hitters, and the first to throw a perfect game since Johnson did it on May 18, 2004.

The Rays were barely able to make hard contact against Buehrle. Only three batters lined out, while the rest sprayed weak popups and fly balls to the outfield. Gabe Kapler led off the ninth inning and lined Buehrle's pitch to deep center field, but Dewayne Wise leaped at the wall to make the catch and preserve the left-hander's perfection.

Buehrle struck out six batters and recorded 11 ground ball outs. The 28,036 in attendance cheered after each out, and the cheers grew louder as the possibility of a perfect game drew nearer.

Making his first start of the second half, Buehrle (11-3) is looking to win 20 games in a season for the first time in his career. Thursday's outing should go a long way.

The White Sox offense wasted little time getting to Rays starter Scott Kazmir (4-6). Josh Fields, making only his fourth start in July, belted a grand slam to left on Kazmir's 3-1 offering, giving Buehrle all the cushion he needed.

Scott Podsednik and Alexei Ramirez hit back-to-back doubles down the right field line to lead off the fifth and provide an unnecessary insurance run.

David Just is a contributor to MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

bobrob2004 wrote:

A no-hitter last year and now a perfect game this year. What a way to go into first place.

At least he won't be pitching against us in this upcoming series.

GoGetEmTigers wrote:

bobrob2004 wrote:

A no-hitter last year and now a perfect game this year. What a way to go into first place.

At least he won't be pitching against us in this upcoming series.

I want to see him pitch against the Tigers

and have the Tigers clobber him


I hate when the Tigers miss certain pitchers or players at Comerica Park


No excuses from White Sox Fans when we sweep their sorry butts

Perfect game!!

Too bad it couldn't have been someone else. Still, it was a PERFECT game

Congrats to Buerhle!

But the Tigers need to sweep...